Graphene-enhanced triboelectric footpath electricity generator for large-scale output planks suspended by rare-earth metal magnets

ABSTRACT

The invention is comprised of individual planks with positively charged triboelectric pads attached, connected by copper strips and suspended by neodymuim magnets over a mirrored overlaying of planks, of the same length and width of the prior, with negatively charged triboelectric pads also connected by a copper strip. The overlayed planks stabilized by wood pegs.

BACKGROUND

Triboelectric generators (electricity from oppositely charged surface interaction and where energy output is surface area dependent) are currently an emerging technology primarily used on a small-scale for the charging of electronics i.e. watches and phones by kinetic energy from human movement for example a watch charger that produces 132 mW per at 8.4 square centimeters as shown in Pat app serial no. US2014/0084784 A1. By extrapolating triboelectric material surface area to a larger scale, as shown in Gomes et al, arVix:1803.10070 [comd-mat.mes-hall] (2018), would allow powering of larger devices, as illustrated herein but not limited to the collective surface area of 6,830 square centimeters. By connecting individual triboelectric units with copper, enhancing triboelectrically active material backing with graphene where the use of graphene which is 13 times more conductive than copper as shown in Sharma, K. R. Graphene materials. N.Y. 2014. pp 9, to conduct a larger amount of electricity from the triboelectric material of the embodiment to the copper strips, where the copper strips connect the individual units and allow for connection to further consecutive units of the embodiment and subsequently to an energy storage unit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The objective of this invention is to provide a workable, stable, and greater source of electricity for the charging of larger devices by graphene enhancement, increased surface area of triboelectric materials, and use of long-lasting frame and suspension materials i.e. rare-earth metal magnets and planks. Further objectives, novelty, and advantages of the invention will be elucidated within the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Depicts the front view of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the under view of one side of the assembled connected individual plank units.

FIG. 3 depicts the under side of the opposing assembled connected individual plank units.

FIG. 4 gives a representation of the positively charged triboelectric strips in addition to the layering of the materials.

FIG. 5 represents the negatively charged triboelectric strips as well as the layering of the materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 shows the front view of the embodiment where 1 of FIG. 1 depicts two wood rods for stabilizing the opposing planks as given by 2 of FIG. 1. 3 of FIG. 1 gives the opposing neodymium magnets with same pole facing each other for suspension and allowance of compression from foot-traffic and allowing the top planks to return to their initial position due to magnetic repulsion. 4 and 5 of FIG. 1 represent the opposed charge triboelectric strips which are exactly aligned and reinforced by the planks for evenly distributed surface interaction for optimal electricity production.

Referring to FIG. 2 illustrates the assembled portion of the embodiment where 1 of FIG. 2 depicts a strip of copper to distribute the electricity created from compression opposed surface interaction produced by foot-traffic connecting the individual triboelectric strips which have the dimensions of 84 centimeters by 7.62 centimeters or 638.7 square centimeters as embodied in 3 of FIG. 2 attached by adhesive to the planks with dimensions 121.92 centimeters by 10.16 centimeters or 1,238.71 square centimeters represented by 2 of FIG. 2. 4 in FIG. 2 represents the neodymium magnet, adhered by adhesive to the inside of the planks, for suspension of the planks. 5 of FIG. 2 depicts the hole on either side of the planks to accept the wood pegs that stabilize and connect the planks.

Regarding FIG. 3 which represent the opposing and mirrored assembled portion of the embodiment 1 of FIG. 3 depicts the holes in the planks to accept the pegs to connect and stabilize the planks. 2 of FIG. 3 represents the neodymium magnet, adhered by adhesive to the inside of the planks, for suspension of the planks. 3 of FIG. 3 illustrates the planks with the dimensions 121.92 centimeters by 10.16 centimeters or 1,238.71 square centimeters where the opposing triboelectric pads are attached by adhesive with the dimensions 84 centimeters by 7.62 centimeters or 638.7 square centimeters depicted in 4 of FIG. 3 which are connected by a copper strip completing the circuit as shown in 5 of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4

1 of FIG. 4 depicts the positive triboelectric pads material which is adhered to adhesive graphene covered tape to conduct the electricity produced from compression of by foot-traffic to the copper strip as embodied in 2 of FIG. 4, 3 of FIG. 4 depicts an extender, which is adhered to both 2 of FIG. 4 and the plank, that raises the triboelectric pad slightly above the neodymium magnets.

Referring to FIG. 5

1 of FIG. 5 illustrates the negative triboelectric pads materials which s adhered to adhesive graphene covered tape to conduct the electricity produced from compression of by foot-traffic to the copper strip as embodied in 2 of FIG. 4, 3 of FIG. 4 depicts an extender, which is adhered to both 2 of FIG. 4 and the plank, that raises the triboelectric pad slightly above the neodymium magnets allowing the planks to compress and return to its original levitated position per U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,105. 

1. By connecting the individual triboelectric units there is a greater electrical output for larger devices.
 2. Graphene will increase the conductance of electricity from triboelectric material for larger electrical output. 